The Battle of the Bracelets

In the midst of very terse exchanges on foreign policy and the economy, both candidates made an attempt to connect with their bases on their Iraq war policy stances.  Pushing up his sleeve, Sen. McCain made reference to a bracelet given to him by a mother of a U.S. soldier who basically said "make sure you win this war, so my son didn't die in vain."  Not to be outdone, Sen. Obama retorted, "I too wear a bracelet given to me by the mother of a soldier who told me that no mother should have to go through what she has gone through."  "We need to end the war in Iraq." I feel a little shallow for wearing a bracelet because it looks good.

Seriously though, I believe both candidates did a good job of connecting with their bases last night.  Problem is, I really don't know how well either of them did of connecting with independent voters who will be deciding this election.  It is clear, however, that the candidates do not have a whole lot in common.  Together, they are the modern day "Odd Couple" (I'll let you decide who is Randall and who is Klugman).  

Then there is the issue of pre-condition diplomacy, aka  preparation.  Pre-condition diplomacy is code for friendship with benefits.  It's a bully tactic  the GOP loves.   It's the equivalent of the bully-shakedown for your lunch money on the playground.  I got your back if you give me your lunch money loser!  Since when do we need pre-conditions to have a conversation?  One of the reasons we are so hated around the world is because we have an air of imperialism about us.  Sen. Obama is a consensus builder who is trying to bring a sense of restorative justice to heal the international wounds of the current administration.  Yet, he is painted by Sen. McCain as naive for wanting to get back to some good ole' fashion campfire talks with heads of state.  

Meanwhile, Gov. Sarah Palin is trying to get better resolution out of her binoculars.......